Ideas for a Romantic Evening at Home

A Special Night In

It's not always easy to think of ideas for a romantic evening at home, particularly for couples who are either not terribly romantic, or who have been together for so long that some of the spark has dwindled.

Your normal "romantic routine" probably consists of a DVD and the same bowl of pasta you make twice a month. It's easy to fall into a rut, and planning something romantic at home limit your options a bit. But that doesn't mean it can't be done and... done very well!

All you need to plan a romantic night in with your partner is a little creativity, a little planning, and a little bit of forethought.

Step One: Timing your Romantic Evening

When looking for ideas for a romantic evening at home, first of all, don't limit yourself to just the evening hours for romance. Come up with ways to set the mood all day long. Start with breakfast in bed, then send over some type of surprise during the lunch hour with a sassy note that gives hints about the night ahead. This will keep your partner pondering while you set the stage at home.

Skip the Surprise?

While you could plan this as a surprise, all too often something happens to interfere (like friends showing up or your partner working late). So, if you want to be sure you're going to have this time together, plan a mutually good date.

Step 2: Setting the Stage

Okay, you walk into your house and see the same thing every day. The same sofa, the same bed, the same ol' dining room table.

One of the simplest ideas for a romantic evening at home --and one of the best ways to really set the stage-- is to make a few mindful changes.

Move things Around.

One easy way to transform your home for a romantic night in is to change the appearance of whatever you can. For example, if you have a loveseat, put it in front of the fireplace. Or hide the dining table away in the spare room and set up a cozy blanket in its place for a romantic floor picnic!

Create Ambiance.

The most important word when decorating for a romantic dinner? Candles! Make sure you have lots of tea lights and pillar candles on just about every surface. NOTHING says romance better than candlelight! Sprinkle flower petals on the walkway leading up to the house, and don't forget about mood music. It doesn't have to be sickeningly sweet songs  just slow, something that makes you want to sway together and talk softly. Think Jack Johnson, not Tom Jones.

You might also want to turn off the phone ringer, cell phone tones, and put a do not disturb sign on your door! Take the precautions necessary to be sure you're not interrupted at the worst possible moment.

Step 3: The Food

A truly romantic date night in with your mate can be highlighted by clever food selections. Finger food makes a fantastic starter because then you can feed each other... it can be a lot of fun.

You'll find lots of tips for romantic dinners at Romantic Night Menu. Read on for some tips on choosing your menu.

Keep it Simple.

One of the worst things you can do when looking for recipe ideas for a romantic evening at home is to over-reach. If you pick a recipe that requires blood, sweat, and tears in the kitchen, you're going to be in anything BUT "the mood" when the time comes.

So when it comes to romantic recipes, it's always best to err on the side of caution. Choose items that can be:

Cooked up quickly (think steak)

Cooked ahead of time (think soup or casseroles)

Made as one-dish meals in the oven (like a chicken with all the trimmings)

Served cold

And remember: there's no reason why you have to get all hot and sweaty and smelly in the kitchen. Eating a relaxed cold French picnic menu is probably more romantic (and a heck of a lot easier!) than a sweaty-and-stressed-out Canard à l'Orange.

Go Sexy with Your Food.

In choosing your dishes, you might want to consider some known aphrodisiacs. The word itself invokes the Greek Goddess of love and passion. And there are plenty of spices and foods that stimulate ardor. Here are a few:

Asparagus

Basil

Champagne

Chocolate

Figs

Ginger

Lobster

Oysters

Strawberries

If you're clever you could put a few of these together into tantalizing dishes. Try caramelized figs with champagne sauce, oysters with blackened tomato, lobster with basil butter, steamed asparagus spears, and strawberries in chocolate, for example!

Go Light. No matter what you decide to make, keep it light. Eating too much will make you sleepy, not passionate! Also put out a pretty table where you can sit, nibble and talk comfortably.

And Don't Forget the Wine!!

Step Four: The Clothing

Planning a romantic evening at home is a great opportunity to dress up  so you want to look snazzy! Wear something your partner LOVES to see you in and something that makes you feel your best and most confident.

Having said that, you might also want to make sure it's not too complicated to take off!

Step Five: Planning Activities

Talking, by far, is going to comprise a large part of a romantic evening. So many people have forgotten the power of good conversation! Encourage your partner to share his or her feelings and innermost dreams. Share your fondest memories from your relationship. And it's absolutely encouraged to playfully discuss turn-ons!

Adding More to Your Night.

Want to make the night go on a little longer than just dinner and "dessert"? Some additional activities might include:

Watching a Good Movie: Romantic movies can be nice, but they're also a bit cliché. How about some comedy? Laughing together relieves a lot of stress that might otherwise ruin your night.

Massage: Want to stick with the sensual? Perhaps you can give each other a long and well-deserved hot oil massage.

Wine Tasting: Are you and your partner really into wines? Buy a few bottles that you've never tried before and start the night off with an impromptu wine-tasting.

Step Six: Be Flexible!

This one applies both literally and figuratively!

For most couples, planning activities can be a great idea for a romantic evening at home. But by all means, don't try to stick doggedly to a "program" for the evening. After all, romance should have some spontaneity! You just set the stage and, as the saying goes, let nature take its course...